Heated floor mats and architectural panels

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes first and second glass panes separated by a gap, a resistive layer in the gap adjacent to the first glass pane, a controller configured to supply electric current to the resistive layer to heat air in the gap, and first and second openings allowing air to enter and exit the gap. A method performed using the apparatus is also described.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/510,651, filed Jul. 22, 2011, titled “HeatedFloor Mats And Window Panels”, which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to electrically heated floor mats andarchitectural panels.

BACKGROUND

Localized heat sources can be used to improve personal comfort or tocontrol energy costs. However, a need remains for improved heated floormats and architectural panels, including personal heated floor mats forpeople and animals, and heated architectural panels that can providewarmth for personal comfort and/or to control energy costs.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the invention provides an apparatus that include firstand second glass panes separated by a gap, a resistive layer in the gapadjacent to the first glass pane, a controller configured to supplyelectric current to the resistive layer to heat air in the gap, andfirst and second openings allowing air to enter and exit the gap.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method including passing airthrough a gap between first and second glass panes, wherein the air isheated by electrical current in a resistive heating layer positioned inthe gap.

In another aspect, the invention provides method including: passing anelectrical current through a resistive heating layer adjacent to a glasspanel to warm the glass panel, and controlling the electrical current toachieve a temperature of the glass panel that is substantially the sameas a temperature of a wall in which the glass panel is mounted.

In another aspect, the invention provides a heat mat including a firstpanel, a resistive layer adjacent to the first panel, a non-conductivecoating adjacent to the resistive layer, two bus bars electricallyconnected to the resistive layer, a motion sensor for detecting motionof a user, and a controller configured to enable the application ofvoltage to the bus bars in response to the motion sensor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a floor mat constructed inaccordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the floor mat of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a floor mat constructed inaccordance with another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the floor mat of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a window panel constructed in accordancewith another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the window panel of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a window panel constructed inaccordance with another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a window panel constructed inaccordance with another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 9A is an elevation view of a window panel constructed in accordancewith another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 9B is a top view of the window panel of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is an elevation view of a window panel constructed inaccordance with another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 10B is a top view of the window panel of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a window panel constructed inaccordance with another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 12 is schematic representation of a glass panel configured for usein combination with a display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In various embodiments, this invention provides electrically heatedapparatus and methods of using such apparatus to promote personalcomfort and/or to control energy costs. Such apparatus can take the formof, for example, heated floor mats, windows, architectural panels, etc.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a floor mat 10 (also called apersonal heat mat) constructed in accordance with an aspect of theinvention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the floor mat of FIG. 1. The floormat includes a first panel 12, which can be constructed of temperedglass, a resistive layer 14 positioned adjacent to the first panel, andan electrically insulating layer 16 positioned adjacent to the resistivelayer 14 on a side opposite to the first panel. The insulating layer canbe a non-conductive coating forming a laminate or hardened surface.Electrical current flowing in the resistive layer (also called aconductive layer) causes the resistive layer to heat up, thereby raisingthe temperature of the adjacent first panel.

Bus bars 18 and 20 are positioned adjacent to opposite ends of theresistive layer, and form electrical contacts with the resistive layer.A control box 22 can be mounted on the first panel. The control boxincludes a control circuit 24 and may include a motion sensor 26. Apower cord 28 is provided to connect the control circuit to a powersource. Electrical conductors 30, 32 are provided to connect the controlcircuit to the bus bars.

These conductors can pass through a hole 34 in the first panel. Anadditional conductor 36 is provided between the control circuit and busbar 18. This additional conductor can be insulated from the resistivelayer. The edge of the resistive layer can be recessed with respect tothe edge of the first panel and the edge of the electrically insulatinglayer 16, such that electrically conductive parts of the floor mat arenot exposed.

Electric current flowing in the resistive layer causes the resistivelayer to heat and the heat is transferred to the first panel. The motionsensor can be configured to detect the presence of a user on or near themat. When a user is detected, the control circuit energizes the busbars, causing current to flow in the resistive layer. The controlcircuit can be configured to energize the bus bars for a preset periodof time after a user is detected and to de-energize the bus bars when auser is no longer detected.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a floor mat 50 constructed inaccordance with another aspect of the invention. FIG. 4 is a plan viewof the floor mat of FIG. 3. The floor mat of FIGS. 3 and 4 is similar tothat of FIGS. 1 and 2, but has a thinner glass layer and does notinclude a motion sensor. The mat includes a first panel 52, which can beconstructed of tempered glass, a conductive layer 54 positioned adjacentto the first panel, and an electrically insulating layer 56 positionedadjacent to the conductive layer 54 on a side opposite to the firstpanel. Bus bars 58 and 60 are positioned adjacent to opposite ends ofthe conductive layer. A control box 62 is mounted on the first panel.The control box includes a control circuit 64. A power cord 66 isprovided to connect the control circuit to a power source. Electricalconductors are provided to connect the control circuit to the bus bars.These conductors can pass through a hole in the first panel. Anadditional conductor 68 is provided between the control circuit and busbar 60. This additional conductor can be insulated from the conductivelayer. Electric current flowing in the conductive layer causes theconductive layer to heat and the heat is transferred to the first panel.The power cord is connects to an on/off switch 68 and a fuse 70.

In various embodiments, the personal heat mat can be designed forpersonal comfort in a work space or other location. The heat mat maywarm to temperatures between about 80° F. and about 110° F., forexample, between about 90° F. and about 100° F., to provide a warmradiant heat source. The temperature can be controlled in various ways.For example, a temperature sensor can be used to monitor the temperatureof the mat and provide a signal to the controller indicative of the mattemperature. Then the controller can adjust the current accordingly.Alternatively, the controller can limit the maximum current and therebylimit the maximum temperature of the mat.

The heat mat can be designed and manufactured to any desired size orshape, e.g., to fit into unusual desk areas. Logos, designs or graphicscan also be applied. The heat mat may have ANSI certification as atempered and laminated safety glass unit. The heat mat can providecomfort and energy savings.

The personal heat mat can be designed and manufactured to providepersonal comfort while sitting in a cool environment such as an office,work space, or any other cool area. In one embodiment, the heat mat is apersonal glass heated mat that a person can stand on, or that could beused under a chair. The heat mat control circuit can include anautomatic on/off control function. The heat mat can be designed suchthat when a user steps on the heat mat the heat will turn on and whenthe user steps off the heat mat the heat turns off. For example, apressure sensor or motion detector can be provided to detect thepresence of a user. Then the controller can control the electricalcurrent in response to a signal from the sensor or detector. Thecontroller and any associated sensors form a control system that cancontrol the temperature of the mat. The heat mat can be a safety heatpad that cannot increase in temperature above the factory settemperatures.

In various embodiments, the first layer can be glass having a thicknessranging from about ⅛″ to about ½″ thick. The resistive or conductivelayer can have a resistance ranging from about 1 ohm to about 1000 ohmbetween the bus bars. The glass layer can be heat tempered to ANSIcertifications for safety. The insulating layer can be a laminate of.for example, polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and urethane. The bus bars can beconstructed of silver nitrite or zinc powder. The controller can be asolid state controller, that can be powered by a voltage source of 110volts to 220 volts single phase AC or DC volts. The current can rangefrom about 1 amp to about 4 amps.

The bus bars work as conductive strips that apply voltage (and current)to the glass surface and cause the resistive/conductive layer to heatup. The resistance and the length of the bus bars can be designed toprovide control of the heated surface. Wires may be connected to the busbars on one end that leads to the controller, which controls power on orpower off when a sensor detects movement.

The heat mat can be a heat tempered and laminated device. If the glasslayer were to break, the pieces should stay intact due to the laminationprocess used to assemble the layers.

Another embodiment of the invention provides a heated mat for animalsthat may have the same construction and operation as the personal heatmats described above, but may be smaller in size. The personal pet matwill typically heat up to temperatures between about 70° F. and about85° F. The pet mat can also have a controller and control system thatoperates similar to the control system of the personal heat mat.

In another aspect, the invention can provide a warm window systemdesigned for the office or home use, in either retrofit or newconstruction applications. FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a windowsystem 90 constructed in accordance with an aspect of the invention.FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the floor mat of FIG. 5. The windowsystem includes a first panel 92, which can be constructed of temperedglass, a resistive or conductive layer 94 positioned adjacent to thefirst panel, and an electrically insulating layer 96 positioned adjacentto the conductive layer 94 on a side opposite to the first panel. Busbars 98 and 100 are positioned adjacent to opposite ends of theconductive layer. A controller 102 is provided control the temperaturesof the window. The controller connects the bus bars to a power source.Electrical conductors 104, 106 are provided to supply power to the busbars. These conductors can pass through holes 108, 110 in the firstpanel. Electric current flowing in the conductive or resistive layercauses the conductive or resistive layer to heat and the heat istransferred to the first panel.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate and describe details of window systems inaccordance with other aspects of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a heated window 120 mounted in an opening122. The heated window includes a first glass pane 124 and a secondglass pane 126, separated by a space 128. A resistive layer 130 ispositioned adjacent to the second glass pane, and within the space. Theresistive layer can be connected to two bus bars, not shown in thisview, that are similar to the bus bars of FIGS. 6 and 7. When electricalcurrent flows through the resistive layer, heat is produced that passedthrough the second pane 126 and into the room as illustrated by arrows132. Panes 124 and 126 can both be constructed of low-e glass. Heat fromoutside the building is reflected by pane 124 as shown by arrows 134.The glass panes are separated by spacers 136, 138. A window frame 140surrounds the heated window and is mounted in a wall 142. Thisconfiguration stops practically all heat loss from the room though thewindow.

FIG. 8 shows a window system 150 for a retrofit installation including apreviously existing exterior window 152 and a heated window 154. Theheated window is positioned in a window opening 156 on the interior sideof the opening. The heated window includes a first glass pane 158 and asecond glass pane 160, separated by a space 162. A resistive layer 164is positioned adjacent to the second glass pane, and within the space162. The resistive layer can be connected the bus bars, not shown inthis view, that are similar to the bus bars of FIGS. 6 and 7. Whenelectrical current flows through the resistive layer, heat is producedthat passes through the second pane 160 and into the room as illustratedby arrows 166.

FIG. 9A shows a fixed frame window 180 including a frame 182, which canbe aluminum, and a glass pane 184. A resistive layer 186 is positionedadjacent to the glass pane. The resistive layer can be connected to twobus bars 188, 190 that are similar to the bus bars of FIGS. 6 and 7. Acontroller 192 supplies electrical current to the bus bars. Whenelectrical current flows through the resistive layer, heat is producedthat passes through the pane 184 and into the room. FIG. 9B shows a topview of the window 180.

FIG. 10A shows a casement window 200 including a frame 202, which can bealuminum, and a glass pane 204. A resistive layer 206 is positionedadjacent to the glass pane. The resistive layer can be connected to twobus bars 208, 210 that are similar to the bus bars of FIGS. 6 and 7. Acontroller 212 supplies electrical current to the bus bars. Whenelectrical current flows through the resistive layer, heat is producedthat passes through the pane 204 and into the room. The window ismounted in a casement frame 214. FIG. 10B shows a top view of the window200.

In various embodiments, the glass panels of FIGS. 7-10 may be insulatedor may be a one sheet laminated design to help eliminate heat lossthrough the window opening. The system may include aluminum extrudedwindow profiles that are powder coated, with the optional application ofwood grain to enhance the appearance. The glass may be low-e type thatprovides high energy savings. The interior glass of the insulated unitmay be provided with a conductive or resistance coating that heats upwhen energized and radiates warmth into the room and stops any or allloss of heat through the window system.

In one aspect the invention provides a method in which the temperatureof the heated window glass is controlled to be substantially the same asthe temperature of the interior wall in which the window is mounted. Forexample, if any of the windows of FIGS. 7-10 are mounted in a wall of aroom, where the interior surface of the wall is 70°, and the outsidetemperature is such that the window glass temperature would be 50°, thewindow glass can be heated such that the interior surface of the windowglass is 70°. Then heat loss through the room walls matches the heatloss through the heated window. This can provide a more uniformdistribution of temperatures in the room.

FIG. 11 shows a heated glass window 230 in accordance with anotheraspect of the invention. The window 230 includes a first glass pane 232and a second glass pane 234, wherein the first and second glass panesare separated by a gap 236. A resistive layer 238 is positioned in thegap and adjacent to the second glass pane on the gap side. The resistivelayer can be connected to two bus bars that are similar to the bus barsof FIGS. 6 and 7. A controller supplies electrical current to the busbars. When electrical current flows through the resistive layer, heat isproduced that passes through the pane 234 and into the room. The hotresistive layer also heats air in a gap 236 between the glass panes. Inone example, the air in the gap can be heated to about 215° F. The glasspanes are mounted in a frame 240 and spacers 242, 244 maintain the gapbetween the glass panes. Openings 246 and 248 can be provided to allowair flow into and out of the gap. Electrical current flow in theresistive layer heats the layer and thus heats the air in the gap. A fanor other blower 250 can be used to inject air into the gap or to extractair from the gap, so the heated air in the gap can be circulated intothe room. The window is mounted in a wall 260.

FIG. 12 is schematic representation of a window 270 configured to beused in combination with a display 272, such as a simulated fireplacedisplay. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the window 270 can include twoglass panes separated by a gap and a resistive layer adjacent to one ofthe panes as shown in FIG. 11. A controller can be provided to supply acurrent to the resistive layer to heat the air in the gap. Openings canbe provided to allow air to be blown through the gap and into the roomfor example through opening 274. Air can enter a gap between the glasspanes through an opening near the bottom of the window and can exit thegap through an opening near the top of the window. In one embodiment,the front glass radiates heat at about 210° F. and the air coming out ofthe top slot ranges from about 100° F. to about 125° F. In this mannerheat produced by the heated layer in the window can be transferred tothe room, simulating the heat from a fireplace. The window can bemounted on a decorative frame 276 that can be patterned to simulate amarble slab.

The warm window systems described above can provide one or more of thefunctions of radiating heat into a room; reducing up to 100% loss ofheat through windows; lowering energy costs for operation; providingfull clear view windows; and/or providing energy savings winter orsummer.

The warm window systems can be adapted to various window frame types,such as: fixed window frame heated glass; casement operating windowheated glass; project in window heated glass; and project out windowheated glass.

The warm window systems can provide radiant heat of the same typeprovided by the sun, while allowing crystal clear viewing andeliminating condensation.

In some embodiments, the warm window system can serve as a stand-aloneheating system. The warm window system converts electricity into heatwith an efficiency of close to 100% compared to between 50%-75% for gasheating systems. A programmable wireless thermostat can be used tocontrol the temperature. There is no fuel stored in the warm windowsystem, and thus risks such as carbon monoxide poisoning and explosionsare avoided. Due to the “plug & play” nature of the warm window system,installation can be done in a matter of minutes. Radiant heat is morenatural as compared to forced air heating, resulting in more comfortwithout fumes, dust or dryness.

Table 1 below lists specifications for a heated window system inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

TABLE 1 Height - (Between Busbars) 45 inches Width - (Length of Busbars)30 inches Edge delete 0.25 inches Volts 120 V Heated width 43.75 inchesHeated height 29.75 inches Total sq. ft. 9.2 Heated sq. ft. 9.0 (Amps)2.3 (Watts) sq. ft. 2.3 (Total Watts) Powder density 280 (Ohms) 51 (BTU)per hour 951

While the invention has been described in terms of various embodimentsfor purposes of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that numerous changes can be made to the disclosed embodimentswithout departing from the scope of the claims set forth below. Forexample, elements of the various described embodiments can be used incombination with each other to form additional embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: first and second glasspanes separated by a gap; a resistive layer in the gap adjacent to thefirst glass pane; a controller configured to supply electric current tothe resistive layer to heat air in the gap; and first and secondopenings allowing air to enter and exit the gap.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising: a blower configured to blow air into one ofthe first and second openings or to extract air from one of the firstand second openings.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: aframe encompassing the first and second glass panes and the gap.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the first opening is position near abottom of the gap and the second opening is positioned near a top of thegap.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: two bus barselectrically connected to the resistive layer.
 6. The apparatus of claim5, wherein the bus bars include silver nitrite or zinc powder.
 7. Amethod comprising: passing air through a gap between first and secondglass panes, wherein the air is heated by electrical current in aresistive heating layer positioned in the gap.
 8. The method of claim 7,wherein a blower is used to blow air into one of first and secondopenings into the gap or to extract air from one of the first and secondopenings.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the first opening isposition near a bottom of the gap and the second opening is positionednear a top of the gap.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the first andsecond glass panes are encompassed by a frame that surrounds the gap.11. A method comprising: passing an electrical current through aresistive heating layer adjacent to a glass panel to warm the glasspanel; and controlling the electrical current to achieve a temperatureof the glass panel that is substantially the same as a temperature of awall in which the glass panel is mounted.
 12. The method of claim 1,wherein the electrical current is supplied to the resistive layerthrough two bus bars electrically connected to the resistive layer. 13.The method of claim 5, wherein the bus bars include silver nitrite orzinc powder.
 14. A heat mat comprising: a first panel; a resistive layeradjacent to the first panel; a non-conductive coating adjacent to theresistive layer; two bus bars electrically connected to the resistivelayer; a motion sensor for detecting motion of a user; and a controllerconfigured to enable the application of voltage to the bus bars inresponse to the motion sensor.
 15. The heat mat of claim 14, wherein thecontroller turns the heat mat on when the user is on the heat mat and toturns the heat mat off after the user leaves the heat mat.
 16. The heatmat of claim 14, wherein the first panel comprises a tempered andlaminated safety glass panel.
 17. The heat mat of claim 14, wherein theheat mat operates at temperatures between about 80° F. and about 110° F.18. The heat mat of claim 14, wherein the heat mat operates attemperatures between about 70° F. and about 85° F.
 19. The heat mat ofclaim 14, wherein the heat mat turns on when a user steps onto the heatmat and turns off when the user steps off of the heat mat.